Looking for input for experienced mini-van owners. I recently purchased a 01 DC T&C LX with towing package, no hitch. Is it best to have the dealer install a hitch, or will an RV dealer be just as good if not better. I will be towing a pop up GVW of @2600 and a TW of @250. What about a equalizer hitch, are they worth the money? Any input would be appreciated.

I have had hitches on my 1996 and 1998 T&C vans. I didn't get one for my 2001 when I took delivery because of availability. Reese, Draw-Tight, and U-Haul have class 2 and 3 systems. These are bolted to the unibody at the bumper attachment sites. Most hitch dealers will answer your questions as far as the appropriate application for your needs. I had a 2" receiver setup that worked great.

And he apparently has not read in the Edmund's Town Hall where Odyssey transmission problems are a well documented fact. He overlooks the lack of padding on the Odyssey's armrests on the doors, the lack of a quality stereo, the lack of ability for front passenger and driver to set their own temperature comfort level, the lack of a Trip Computer, etc. And he apparently has not read Consumer Reports where Odyssey reliability has dropped. Not everyone needs to haul a dozen sheets of sheetrock home each week from Home Depot so the "Magic Seat" is not the sole criteria for most people in selecting a minivan as it is for Mr. Wardlaw. The "Fish Eye" mirror in the Windstar is a safety hazard as one must move their eyes too far away from the driving line of sight to look at the activities of the children in the rear. And why doesn't Mr. Wardlaw state the ACTUAL PRICE paid for a vehicle instead of MSRP? Edmunds paid well above MSRP for the test Odyssey while most consumers buy a DC minivan at a nice discount. Come on Edmunds, be more realistic and state actual prices paid.

If you want comfort get the Grand Caravan ES. If ease of access for cargo space is more important, get the Odyssey. One of Edmund's writers feels that the Magic Seat is more important than comfort, neglects the many reported transmission failures in Odysseys, and the lower reliability ratings of recent Odysseys...while transmission reliability and overall reliability of Chrysler T&C, Voyager and Dodge Caravan has been increasing. For many of us, the BEST heating/airconditioning system of the DC minivans, a high quality stereo,etc. are more important than cargo carrying flexibility.

Thx for the info on how to access a few TSBs relating to SAFETY. However, does anyone know where I can get a list of all TSB for the 2001 T&C Ltd? I noticed that Rolfe quoted a TSB number above that was not related to a safety issue and was not part of the database that Steve suggested. Any help would be appreciated. Thx

hmmm, I'd suggest alldata.com, but they don't seem to have the '01 model info posted yet.

The NHTSA link does have the howling problem listed--just has a different #--(Service Bulletin Number: 00063). When I compared their database using my '99 Quest, 21 records show up (including, for example, a sunroof cycling issue--is that a safety issue?). Only two TSBs show up at alldata, but 16 show up for the Villager twin. Now I'm really confused! Maybe you can get a dealer to show you the list?SteveHostVans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

Nice marketing skills. It looks like the Germans scapped this plan to focus on the EX and regain share lost to Honda with the lower priced vans.

I am now putting off any purchase until the 2002 models are coming out this fall to see if they will offer the new engine as well as any updates and fixes. If they do not then I will get the 2001 when they are tring to clear them out at model year end. It stinks that they announced it and then pulled it away.

Have I got this straight;-all 2001 wad DC vans have the 2100 ram howl.-nobody knows why-DC issued a service bulletin (NTSC #00063-all of us owners continue to wait-nobody has challenged DC for a refund

Since the 3.8L has the most HP AND Torque of any minivan .... and does not require the costly premium fuel. I prefer the 3.8L V6 with its proven reliability over the newer technology 3.5L.My lesser 3.3L in my 99 GC SE has more than enough power for most of my needs even though I would opt for the 3.8L over the 3.3L or new 3.5L.

Hi Rolfe. I have just lived with the roof wind noise. Is this TSB to completely replace the cross bars? Do you know what was wrong with them? I fiddle with them sometimes, and the sound is fixed, only to come back.

My first post got lost, so here it is again: My 96 Grand Caravan (3.3 engine w/ 52k on it) began running rough a few days ago. The "service engine soon" light came on. Took it in to the Dodge dealership and they replaced plugs and wires. Didn't fix it. They looked further and discovered a problem with the rear cyclinder. It needs to be replaced and a cost of $1,750. The warranty - of course - was 3yrs/36k. It seems to me Dodge should cover part or all of this repair. Doesn't seem to me the cylinder should fall apart after 52k miles, with regular maintenance completed. Anybody have some thoughts?

While working to fix some problems today the database was corrupted. Unfortunately we were only able to recover data up to this morning - meaning that most posts made to Town Hall today are missing. We'll find out in the morning if the people pulling the all-nighter can recover them. Apologies.SteveHostVans, SUVs and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards

As usual you are on top of everything. It has been awhile and I'm still in a state of disappointment over this resonance problem. Contrary to the fact that most people are saying that it is a AWD problem, I know for a fact that it is also a FWD problem. I know cause I have it. The wind noise of course is pretty bad but I attributed it to the increase noise reduction insulation in the body. But today I actually heard some howling and whistling. Can you be really specific as to what the TSB said. Also, if anyone on this planet knows how to secure TSBs on the 2001 T&C LTD than it is you. How did you get them and where did you get them and could you share them with us.... please.

Keep us all up-to-date on the resonance/vibration issue. Thx again for you very eloquent posts.

I too also had my 96 Voyager rear cylinder head replaced. My 3.3L had 63,000 miles and the service engine light came on. I could hear what sounded like an arcing noise above 2500 rpms . I pulled the codes which indicated a "cylinder miss fire" at which time I replaced the coil pack. Still more arcing sound. Then I replaced plugs and wires. Still more arcing sound. Turned out to be a crack clinder head - rocker arm tower. My quote was $ 1,200.00 repair. I'm a shade tree mechanic and did some more research with full time Dodge mechanics who say the 3.3L is relatively bullet proof..... Maybe so, but my wife now drives a 2001 GC..... Heads up! 96' Wasn't a good year for DC....

Paul, the way I got the TSB was that I think someone on this conference referred to it (I believe by number) and I simply asked my dealer to print it for me, which they did. I have it in front of me. Unfortunately, there is boilerplate on it forbidding its reproduction, transmittal, etc. Otherwise, I'd be glad to quote it. Again, it's TSB 23-002-01.

I wish I knew a reliable place on the web to see all TSBs, but I don't. I'm aware of alldata, but they don't seem to be current.

My communication with other owners, much of if offline from this forum, convinces me that the 2100 rpm resonance issue is PRIMARILY (almost exclusively) in AWD. DC has concluded that it IS exclusively in AWD from everything that I can determine. What I'm saying is that your FWD seems to be an exception. I base this opinion on having driven about 3 FWDs and 3 AWDs personally, but also knowing another person that drove a total of over 15 vehicles (both FWD and AWD) specifically trying to select one with minimal 2100 rpm resonance.

So it might be that you have something else wrong. One way to confirm that is to take a test drive with a technician in both your vehicle and another FWD on the lot and compare. You do the driving and reproduce the problem. (I did this with AWDs.)

Fortunately or unfortunately, I've learned quite a bit about how things work with DC (though not enough yet) during this whole noise experience. I'm told by a reliable source that if you are dealing with a 5-star dealership and have less than 15,000 miles on your vehicle, you get VIP treatment (but I'm not sure this is common knowledge). Has to do with the requirements for them to maintain 5-star status. But don't be bashful in any event :-)

Thanks for the appreciative comment. I try to post the kind of information I'd appreciate discovering here, and I really strive to be accurate.

T&C EX has been in the shop since Tues. and will not be out until at least next Tues. Developed another oil leak, this time a timing chain cover and the part seems to be hard to find. Did I perhaps buy one of the first EX lemons? Dissapointed already; hate giving "magic seat" owners any more ammo. Van has 1300 miles at this time. Hopefully things will work out..

Looks like fly6869 may have got a lemon...just like the Odyssey lemons I have read about in the Town Hall. There are even Sienna minivans with problems which is highly unusual for a Toyota. I have read about Chrysler lemons in CR and other places but NOT one of the many Chrysler minivans owned by friends has had problems. The top reliability track record of DC minivans in the real world where I live convinced me to take a gamble and buy a new 1999 GC SE...which so far has had ZERO problems. That Dual Zone Temp was VERY nice today while driving in moderate weather where the person on the sunny side FEELS much warmer than the one on the other side.

I heard from a reliable source today that Chrysler has identified the problem and is somewhere in the process of redesigning the front driveshaft. They will work or are working with vendors to determine cost, delivery dates, etc. for a replacement. The plan is to have a fix available by "summer." It will probably not be a recall, but a TSB or special service program to deal with customer complaints.

I can't personally vouch for this information, and sorry, but I can't reveal my source. If this information is vital to you, I'd suggest that you have your dealership confirm it with your District Sales Manager. If you do so, please post what you hear back.